MANILA — A mood of renewed hope and confidence filled the main offices of the Department of Tourism (DOT) on Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Belair, Makati City as some 500 employees warmly welcomed newly-appointed DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat on her first day at the helm.

Puyat took her oath of office administered by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Monday, her 49th birthday, replacing former DOT head Wanda Corazon Teo, who resigned a week ago.

In a media briefing before touring the DOT premises, Puyat lauded the enthusiasm shown by employees, including some familiar faces who she had worked with on inter-agency projects like the international culinary even Madrid Fusion Manila.

“I have always enjoyed working with the DOT whom I’ve known for competence and professionalism, particularly career employees. I expect no less than that plus hard work. Trabaho lang,” said the former undersecretary of the Department of Agriculture.

Puyat was handpicked by Duterte immediately after accepting Teo’s resignation over the controversy over a P60 million DOT ad placement in the latter’s brother Ben Tulfo’s television show “Kilos Pronto.”

The new DOT chief vowed to stop graft and corrupt practices by reviewing all the agency’s transactions with the help of her lawyers, reiterating that is the marching order she received from the president.

“I will review everything, including past contracts, and read every line with in them,” stressed the 12-year veteran civil servant.

In this connection, Puyat also asked the courtesy resignation of the undersecretaries and assistant secretaries before she tackles the DOT programs and projects with them.